Amazon and Starlight tribute the late Johnny Ruffo with Christmas music video
This is part of Mumbrella’s 2023 Christmas campaign coverage. Click here to see other articles in the series.
Amazon Australia and the Starlight Children’s Foundation have released a feel-good, tear-jerking festive music video, featuring ARIA award-winning Coodjinburra singer Budjerah and the late Johnny Ruffo.
As part of an annual initiative, Amazon enlisted the help of seven children – the Amazon Playmakers – who were given the important task of testing the company’s top 100 toys to help Aussies shop this holiday season.
The Playmakers, ranging from ages 5-12, featured as backing vocals and instrumentalists on Budjerah’s rendition of ‘Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)’ in the music video.
The late Johnny Ruffo, former singer, Home and Away actor and long-time Starlight ambassador who passed away from brain cancer last month, also stars in the campaign.
Ruffo’s family gave permission for the video to be posted and shared after his passing, with every view across Amazon’s channels equating to a $1 donation to Starlight – up to $100,000.
Budjerah said the opportunity to work with Amazon and Starlight was a privilege.
“The opportunity to work with the Playmakers is so important to me as I am a family man and can see everything Starlight does to support families and bring children happiness. Being able to work alongside Johnny Ruffo was very special and we got to create a beautiful video clip.
“The day with Johnny and the other children was one of the best days I’ve ever had, the kids had so much fun and had huge smiles on their faces the whole time.”
Amazon Australia’s general manager, Matthew Benham, said: “We have been appointing Playmakers to test our top 100 toys since 2019 and one thing that has remained constant since we began, is Johnny Ruffo and his passionate commitment.
“He will be sorely missed and we feel humbled to have had him feature as part of the music video with the kids,” he continued.
Benham paid respects to Ruffo’s family: “We thank Johnny’s family for letting us share this video to hopefully deliver joy to more kids across the country, something Johnny was so committed to. Johnny helped Budjerah and the Playmakers create something really special that we hope helps shine a light on the incredible work that Starlight does and provide some additional support.”
At the time of filming, Ruffo said the kids continue to surprise him with creativity, despite doing this every year.
“I was particularly excited to see the kids in action in the music video as being a singer myself, it was so incredible to see the joy it brought them.”
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Lauren McNamara is a journalist at Mumbrella, covering the creative and PR beat. She joined in November 2022 as editorial assistant, after completing a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at UTS.
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Amazon Australia
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Christmas23
Johnny Ruffo
Matthew Benham
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